Eclipse

Chapter 5

Eclipse's POV
"What do you mean you aren't the prince..?????"

"I mean, I am not the actual prince."

"...Well.. Who are you?"

"My name is still Akihiko. I guess."

"Uh. You guess?"

"Well, I just.. the story is basically my parents are poor. And after the real prince "disappeared", the king and queen paid my parents to use me as a replacement since I guess I look like him. And, well, without a thought, my parents sold me off like that." Akihiko said with a heavy sigh. I frowned, feeling awful. That must be terrible, I couldn't imagine having parents like that... I sat there in some thought before giving the boy next to me a hug.

No wonder he didn't exactly act like some stuck up prince. He was someone like me, but he was practically sold into this. Akihiko stiffened a little, confused by my actions before hugging me back.

"Do, do you know what happened to the real prince?"

"Yeah.. but I really shouldn't tell anyone..."

"I think you broke that rule when you just told me you aren't the prince." I said with a small smile, Akihiko laughing slightly and nodding.

"Fair point... He uh, he was found dead in his bed."

"Woah.. how did he die?"

"That part I don't know. So, I'm just his replacement until the king and queen figure out what to do."  Akihiko explained. I nodded before glancing at him.

"So. You're trapped here?"

"Kinda. But.. I guess it's fine. Why are you here? You don't really seem like you're just visiting."

"Heh, no. I came here to figure some stuff out. Both my parents are from this village, and I wanted to come see it." I half-lied. Akihiko shrugging and saying that sounded well. He and I sat together and talked. He really didn't know a lot about the royal family, but I guess I shouldn't expect him to if he was just acting prince. Turns out Akihiko is really into nature too. He says that the gardens is the only part about living here that makes him happy.

"Hey, um. You should get going. I don't know how anyone will react if you're here to late." He said, helping me to my feet. I nodded and walked with him back to the gates where Grant was impatiently waiting. Once he spotted us, he stood up.

"Akihiko?"

"Mhm?"

"Hang in there.. I might have a way that you don't have to be pretend-prince."

"Really????"

"Mhm. I'll see you another time... yeah?"

"Yeah.." He said with a tiny smile. I waved and rushed over to Grant who began questioning me like crazy. I laughed, patting his shoulder and reassuring him I was okay. Thankfully, Suga and Daichi agreed to let us stay at their home while we were here. I didn't want to invade their home, but we needed somewhere to stay for the night. Tomorrow, Suga said he would take me to my grandma's house. Maybe we'd stay there instead. She'll be shocked to see me here, I'm sure.

The Next Day

I walked up to my grandma's door, Grant with me. I knocked, waiting a few minutes until the door opened. My grandma smiling before staring at me.

"...Eclipse..!?"

"Hi.." I said with an awkward smile. She took a moment before pulling me into a hug.

"What on earth are you- wait, did something happen? Are you alright? Is Shoyo alright?? Who are you." She said to Grant. I laughed, hugging her back before explaining that Grant was my friend and that I kindaaaaa snuck off here without either of my dads knowing. She sighed, pulling me and Grant inside.

"My word Eclipse. You have the same recklessness as your father..."

"Sorry, but really grandma don't worry I'm okay I promise... Did you know that Tobio was a prince??"

"Yes, I did.."

"Why did none of you ever tell me...?"

"We wanted to keep you safe, Eclipse. Besides. There is nothing that can be done about it."

"But my dad is still of royal blood! He could still become the king, right?"

"If we are speaking of technicalities, then, yes he could. But your father chose to leave with your other dad to live with you all safely."

"Do you think that my dad still wants to be king..?"

"I don't know sweetheart."

"...Do you think that he would take the throne if he was given the chance?"

"He might. I know he was prepared for it. And I know he'd be very good."

"Um. What, what would you think about if I gave him that chance..???" I said, both my grandma and Grant looking at me.

"What do you mean, give him that chance?"

"Well.. I think my dad deserves to be at the throne. And I want to make sure he can." I said determinedly. My grandma started looking concerned, trying to talk me down and out of it but I shook my head adamantly. I didn't want anyone in my family to worry.. and they probably will anyway, but I want to fix what happened. And I will.